Device mounting apparatus
A device mounting apparatus that allows a device such as a smoke detector or carbon dioxide (CO2) detector, as well as other device including an alarm, a camera or a light to be selectively positioning at a location on a surface such as a wall. The apparatus comprises a preferably rectangular, hollow rod with rounded corners, and having a first end, second end, and outer surfaces. A device securing bracket that facilitates the attachment of a device to the rod includes a center section with a rod opening, a first side member and second side member, with each member having an angled section and at least one bore. An apparatus to surface securing bracket allows the apparatus to be attached to a surface such as a wall and has a center section with an outward extending first and second side wall, each side wall having a semi-circular segment, with the rod inserted through the space created when the two segments face each other. The apparatus to surface securing bracket also has a rear section with at least one bore through which a screw or other attachment means is inserted. From exiting the bore, the screw enters into the surface/wall, thereby attaching the apparatus to the surface. To maintain the device attached to the device securing bracket, a device mounting pan is utilized. The pan has a rear panel with at least one bore, a center opening for a power wire and a side wall extending outward from the rear panel's perimeter.
The invention generally pertains to methods of placing a device at a desired location on a surface, and more particularly to a device mounting apparatus for securing a device such as a smoke and/or CO2 detector at a desired location on a surface such as a wall.
BACKGROUND ARTFor many locations such as houses, commercial buildings and retail establishments it is desired or required to have one or more devices such as smoke detectors or carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors present.
Typically, a smoke or CO2 detector is secured onto a wall adjacent a ceiling, or onto a ceiling itself. For certain detectors including smoke detectors these locations are acceptable for functionality but for other detectors, as a CO2 detector, an elevated location is not optimal. Also, when placed at an elevated or high location it is often difficult to access a detector, often necessitating the use of a ladder which can be difficult or dangerous.
There is a definite need for a means of securing a smoke detector, CO2 detector car other devices such as an alarm, light, camera or similar device at a selectable location on any flat surface. Allowing a device to be selectively placed, and then facilitating the quick and easy altering of the placement would be extremely beneficial. Means such as an apparatus that allows a single device, or multiple devices to be secured at a desired/optimal location could provide increased effectiveness of the device as well as easier access, thereby leading to a safer environment.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,038 patent discloses a mounting assembly for a smoke alarm, which avoids rendering the smoke alarm inoperable. The assembly includes an alarm supporting member having an alarm secured to one end thereof, with the alarm supporting member being fixably and slidably mounted in a wall mount.
The U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,146 patent discloses a mounting kit and smoke detecting apparatus releasably mountable to a support surface, including a smoke detector, and a support pan securable to the support surface and releasably securable to the smoke detector by a separating force. A longitudinal member has a proximate end graspable by a user and a distal end releasably securable to the smoke detector. A first connector on the distal end is releasably securable for mounting the smoke detector to the support pan and a second connector for detaching the smoke detector from the support pan.
The U.S. Pat. No. 10,883,656 patent discloses an apparatus to enable people who are handicapped, especially those who are wheelchair bound, to be able to install and replace objects that are affixed near a ceiling. The apparatus includes a lower level affixed at a location within reach of a seated person and a vertical height adjustment pole movably retained at the lower level. A top pan retains a device which is positioned adjacent a ceiling. The top pan is affixed adjacent a top end of the vertical height adjustment pole which is lowered to enable the seated person to work on the device. After work on the device is completed, the vertical height adjustment pole is retained so that the top pan is adjacent a ceiling.
For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.
A device mourning apparatus (DMA) that is designed to secure a device such as a smoke detector, carbon dioxide (CO2) detector or other similar device at a selected location on a flat surface such as a wall. The DMA comprises a rod that is preferably rectangular with indented rounded corners, and having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. A device securing bracket allows a device to be secured onto the rod and includes a center section having a rod opening, a first side member having an angled section and at least one bore, and a second side member also having an angled section and at least one bore. In order to secure the DMA onto a flat surface, an apparatus to surface securing bracket is utilized. The bracket has a center section with an integral first side wall having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore on one side and a non-threaded bore on the opposite side, an integral second side wall also having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore on one side and a non-threaded bore on an opposite side, a pressure opening, and a clamping screw that is tightened into the bores on the first and second side walls. The tightening pressure from the clamping screw causes the center section to compress and clamp onto the rod that is inserted through the space created by the two semi-circular segments. The apparatus to surface securing bracket also has a rear section with at least one bore through which screws, nails or bolts are initially inserted and then into the surface, thereby securing the bracket and the attached rod onto the surface. A device mounting apparatus facilitates the securement of a device onto the DMA and includes a rear panel with multiple bores, a center opening for a device power wire, and a side wall that extends outward from the perimeter of the rear panel and has at least one device attachment tab. The multiple bores on the rear panel are placed at locations to allow a variety of different devices to be secured onto the mounting pan.
The first end or second end of the rod is inserted into and friction held within the rod opening on the device securing bracket's center section, and the device securing bracket is selectively positioned at any location along the length of the rod. This allows a device to be secured at a high location adjacent a ceiling or a low location near a floor, or any place in-between.
The device securing bracket also has either a notch or a full-length channel that allows a device power wire to be directed from the device, through the bracket and into the hollow rod, from where the wire is connected to a power source.
In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a device mounting apparatus that allows a device such as a smoke detector and/or CO2 detector to be secured at a desired location on a flat surface such as a wall.
In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a device mounting apparatus that:
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- is easy to install,
- can be used to secure a variety of devices,
- increases the safety of a location where the DMA is used,
- can be made of various materials and painted to match or accentuate an existing wall color,
- can be permanently or removably attached onto a surface,
- does not require maintenance once attached,
- can be included as an original component when constructing a house, building or other structure,
- can be broken-down to a small size for transportation, shipping and sales display,
- can be an incentive to install a greater number of smoke and/or CO2 detectors,
- is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a device mounting apparatus (DMA). It is often desirable or required to place a device such as a smoke detector and/or a carbon dioxide (CO2) detector within a structure. Any place where people reside or congregate will benefit from, or be required to have, these devices, and it is common to see a dedicated detector in each room. Typically, a detector is attached to a wall near the ceiling, or attached to the ceiling itself.
This can be a problem because many detectors use a battery as a primary, or a back-up, power source. When the battery must be replaced, access to the battery compartment within the detector often requires the use of a stool or ladder to reach the detector at its elevated location. This problem is also experienced when a detector must be re-set after sounding, which typically requires pushing a button. Also, while smoke detectors do function well when placed at an elevated location, CO2 detectors are much more effective when placed at a lower location, closer to the ground.
The DMA offers a solution to this problem by providing a means by which a device can be attached to a surface such as a wall and be selectively positioned at an optimal location. The DMA along with a device, or multiple devices, can be quickly and easily assembled, and attached to a surface. Also, depending on the requirement, the DMA can be either permanently attached or removably attached.
The DMA 10, as show in
The rod 12, as shown in
The device securing bracket 24, as shown in
The apparatus to surface securing bracket 60, as shown in
A screw, or other attachment means such as a bolt, a nail or an adhesive, is then inserted through each of the at least one bores 82 and into the surface, which maintains the apparatus to surface securing bracket 60 along with the attached rod 12, on the surface. As shown in
In order to facilitate the attachment of a device 104, onto the DMA 10, the device mounting pan 86 is utilized. As shown in
To provide easier transportation/shipping and storage of the DMA 10, the rod 12 can be cut into multiple pieces ranging from 12 inches to 54 inches. A rod connecting insert 98 is then placed within the rod 12, with substantially one-half of the insert 98 within two sequential rod pieces, as shown in
The rod 12, device securing bracket 24, apparatus to surface securing bracket 60 and device mounting pan 86 can made of various materials including plastic, metal, wood or a composite. For many applications, only a single apparatus to surface securing bracket 60 is required, although multiple brackets 60 can be utilized if desired or required. Also, multiple devices can be attached to a single DMA 10. For example, a smoke detector can be placed at the top of a vertically-oriented DMA, with a CO2 detector placed at the bottom near the ground, where the CO2 detector is more effective, or the DMA 10 can have a smoke detector and CO2 detector, along with a light or a camera placed between the two detectors. Additionally, components of a detector such as electronics and/or a battery can be separated from the detector sensor and placed at a convenient location remote from the detector sensor. Many sensors alone are relatively small compared to a conventional detector with an all-in-one enclosure design. The small sensors (for example, 1 inch diameter) can be easily placed at many various locations which can hide or otherwise make the sensors unobtrusive. When this is done the detector alarm (or multiple alarms) can also be placed at an optimal location. If desired multiple sensors running off a single electronics array and single battery can be easily placed in one room, or other space, thereby providing increased smoke or CO2 detection efficacy
The hollow design of the rod 12 allows a power wire 52 or data wire to travel from a device, through the rod and on to either a mains power supply or a battery. Placing the power wire 52 or data wire through the rod 12, removes the need for the wire to either hang down adjacent the DMA 10, or be placed within/behind the surface such as a wall (which requires at least two holes to be made in the wall for the wire to enter and exit). A pre-made cable, such as a USB data cable, will often not fit through a typical opening but a pre-made cable will fit within the rod 12.
Also, to hold a power wire 52 or data wire in place within the rod, at least one wire restraining screw 112, as shown in
While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A device mounting apparatus comprising:
- a rod comprising a first end, a second end and an outer surface,
- a device securing bracket comprising a center section having a rod opening, a first side member having an angled section and at least one bore, and a second side member having an angled section and at least one bore,
- an apparatus to surface securing bracket comprising a center section configured with a first side wall having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore, and
- a second side wall having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore; a pressure opening; and a rear section having, at least one bore, and
- a device mounting pan comprising a rear panel having at least one bore, a center opening and a side wall extending outward from a perimeter of the rear panel and having at least one device attachment tab.
2. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a device is selected from a group consisting of a smoke detector, a carbon dioxide CO2 detector, a combination smoke and CO2 detector, an alarm, a light and a camera.
3. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod, the device securing bracket and apparatus to wall securing bracket are made of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, wood and a composite.
4. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end or the second end of the rod is inserted into and friction held within the rod opening on the center section of the device securing bracket.
5. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device securing bracket is configured to be selectively positioned at any location along a length of the rod.
6. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod is hollow and rectangular shaped with rounded indented corners, and the device securing bracket's rod opening is correspondingly dimensioned.
7. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device mounting pan is configured for attachment by a screw inserted through the at least one bore and into the at least one threaded bore on the first side member and second side member, wherein the device is then attached by attachment means to the device mounting pan.
8. The device mounting apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attachment means are selected from a group consisting of at least one screw, at least one bolt and nut, an adhesive, a clip, and a slot and tab.
9. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device securing bracket's center section further comprises a notch that allows a power wire to be inserted into the rod from the device securing bracket.
10. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device securing bracket's center section further comprises a channel that extends the full length of the center section and allows a power wire to be inserted into the rod from the device securing bracket.
11. The device mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod further comprising a rod connecting insert that is configured to be placed within the rod to allow at least two sections of rod to be secured together, wherein an insert screw is tightened until contacting and applying pressure onto the insert within the rod.
12. A device mounting apparatus comprising:
- a hollow rectangular rod with indented rounded corners comprising: a first end, a second end, an outer surface,
- a device securing bracket comprising: a center section having a rod opening, a first side member having an angled section and at least one bore, a second side member having an angled section and at least one bore,
- an apparatus to surface securing bracket comprising: a center section comprising: an integral first side wall having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore, an integral second side wall having a semi-circular segment and at least one threaded bore, a pressure opening, and a clamping screw that is tightened into the bores on the first and second side walls, wherein the tightening pressure causes the center section to compress and clamp onto the rod that is inserted through a space created when the two semi-circular segments are configured facing each other, and an integral rear section having at least one bore,
- a device mounting pan comprising: a rear panel having; bores, a center opening, and a side wall extending outward from a perimeter of the rear panel and having at least one device attachment tab.
13. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the device is selected from a group consisting of a smoke detector, a carbon dioxide CO2 detector, a combination smoke and CO2 detector, an alarm, a light and a camera.
14. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the rod, the device securing bracket and apparatus to wall securing bracket are made of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, metal, wood and a composite.
15. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first end or second end of the rod is inserted into and friction held within the rod opening on the center section of the device securing bracket.
16. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the device securing bracket is configured to be selectively positioned at any location along the length of the rod.
17. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the device mounting pan is configured for attachment by a screw inserted through the at least one bore and into the at least one threaded bore on the first side member and second side member, wherein a device is then attached by attachment means to the device mounting pan.
18. The device mounting apparatus of claim 17, wherein the attachment means are selected from a group consisting of at least one screw, at least one bolt and nut, an adhesive, at least one nail, a clip, and a slot and tab.
19. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the device securing bracket's center section further comprises a notch that allows a power wire to be inserted into the rod from the device securing bracket.
20. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the device securing bracket's center section further comprises a channel that extends the full length of the center section and allows a power wire to be inserted into the rod from the device securing bracket.
21. The device mounting apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a rod connecting insert that is configured to be placed within sections of the rod to allow at least two sections of the rod to be secured together, wherein an insert screw is tightened until contacting and applying pressure onto the insert within the rod.
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10883656 | January 5, 2021 | Follis |
11058022 | July 6, 2021 | Ross |
Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 27, 2021
Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
Patent Publication Number: 20220341539
Inventor: Grant Follis (Altadena, CA)
Primary Examiner: Todd M Epps
Application Number: 17/241,067
International Classification: F16M 13/02 (20060101); F16B 7/04 (20060101); G08B 17/10 (20060101); G03B 17/56 (20210101); F21V 21/02 (20060101);